Koot: A Short Story by Ike Adegboye
Koot: A Short Story
It was that moment Rufai lived for—that sliver of a second when his eyes caught hers in the rearview mirror. True, he had grumbled when Uncle Jubril fell ill, and when the old man had promised his Oga* that he trusted nephew—Rufai would show up in his place. Just when he finally saved enough money to go to the local club to see Adeola Montana and his Fuji 5000 band. Still, Rufai had arrived at the address in Ikoyi, dressed in his severely ironed shirt and trousers—Uncle even made him wear deodorant.
Number 16, Roland street was an unassuming house hidden behind a small, black gate and lost in the shade of dozens of trees. There was a gateman, David, and two househelps. Rufai didn’t learn their names. Madam had her own driver, Festus, whose trouser gators were sharp as a blade. Oga left for work at 7. Lunch was served at noon. Some tea and sliced bread served at 4pm.
A damned cycle.
Then she happened. She had stepped out of the house barefoot, dressed in a long maxi dress that flapped around in the hot Lagos air. And in five seconds, she vanished into the house.
If God was fair, Uncle Jubril would remain sick. But God had a different standard of fair. Uncle Jubril recovered. So Rufai sprinkled a little detergent into Uncle's Yellow Label tea on most mornings now, just to keep the old man down a little longer.
⭐️
Her father’s schedule tapered off around noon. Rufai would bring him home for lunch. They returned to the office about 1:30PM. He’d set his briefcase and gym bag next to Oga’s feet in the elevator, keeping his eyes available but not fixed on Oga. Once the doors closed, he sprinted through the reception, out the revolving front door into the car, back to the house to take her to the little bungalow in Lekki, where she took piano lessons. It was the best 30 minutes of his day. He stole glances at her. Her dark skin glistened in the sun and her eyes stared out the back window into the Lagos traffic, lost, sometimes troubled, other times her eyes focused on nothing, other times they cried. If he was sure of his English, he'd say something. He had practiced saying"Hi" but his brother said his nose twitched whenever he said it; that his"H" was too heavy. He could try? Yes?
Her music teacher was a tall, light-skinned man with a glistening scalp. His beard was shaved close to his jaw and his eyes twinkled whenever she stepped out of the car. Sometimes they both giggled and spoke in hushed whispers. The man would open the car door for her, other times she stalked in front of him and didn't say goodbye. For two weeks now, she stalked ahead. No goodbyes. Then the bearded man stopped walking her to the car. She cried now whenever they drove home from Lekki.
Today she was restless.
She looked away from the sparkling Atlantic. Her attention fleeting around the car for a minute, She looked at her phone and smiled. Restless again, her eyes, magnificent, large, framed by long, thick lashes-rested on his in the rear view mirror. Rufai’s heart stopped. His eyes dropped to her lips— plumped by a sheer rose gloss, haloed as the light bounced off of its sheen. Rufai had never seen anything more beautiful.
He parted his lips, but they trembled.
Just say hi.
"Mr. Rufai,”She broke into his thoughts,“Please can we go back? I think I forgot something in Lekki." She said, rummaging through her huge handbag.
Rufai's lips quivered lightly,"Ok." He stammered, his eyes found the road. He cleared his throat in a low grunt.
"Hi", He muttered under his breath. The hairs on his arms stood on end.
He cleared his throat again. It could be better.
"Hi."He muttered. “Hi” was hard. He could tell her that he thought she was sweet like honey but his brother had said, the rich people used “cute” not “sweet”.
“Ki n sę ‘Koot’!” His brother had fallen off his chair laughing,”Not koot. Cute! Cute!”
Koot.
You are Koot. He just couldn’t get it right. He could tell her he was in love with her. That Kolade Gbenro was teaching him to play the keyboard now. He could teach her music, teach her to play. She’s never have to go to Lekki again. She’d never have to cry.
He pulled up in front of the teacher’s gate. The light-skinned, bearded man was outside before Rufai turned off the engine.
His hand was on the car door as she stepped out.
“No! I didn’t come here to talk.”She snapped, “I left my sunglasses. That’s the only reason I came back.” She pushed past the man.
Her teacher grabbed her elbow and muttered to her. He handed her the sunglasses case. His voice was barely a whisper. His hands traveled along her arms. Rufai frowned. In an instant, the teacher dropped to the floor on one knee. From his pocket emerged a ring. It sparkled in the sun.
It happened all too soon. She jumped around, nodded her head and fell into his arms. The embrace was forever and a year. The kiss, eternal.
She hopped into the car after a long goodbye. She chattered on the phone as they drove home. She screamed calling one friend after another. He proposed! She’d yell. Followed by a scream.
Rufai glanced at her in the mirror, his brows still drawn together in a scowl. How did that happen? That man and his beard. What did the teacher have that he didn’t?! He watched her now, hysterical with joy in the backseat. She yelled. Giggled. Screamed. His frown melted away and a small smile softened his face. At least she had happened. At least he had loved. He’d hand the keys back to Uncle Jubril and stop feeding the poor man poison.
He’d work on his pronunciations and his keyboard lessons. Maybe one day he’d join Adeola Montana’s Fuji 5000 band….and maybe one day he wouldn’t.
He wished he could tell her though, that she was koot.
“Koot…Koot…” He shook his head as he battled with the alternate vowel word.
She screamed and burst into laughter in the back. Her eyes caught his in the mirror.
His heart stopped.
She was so sweet though. She truly was. He thought to himself. Sweet and koot.
The End
Copyright ©2018 by IkeOluwapo Adegboye
Oga* Colloqial Nigerian word for a boss or an employer
How to Get Him to Propose (Straight from de Men dem)
Hey, hey??! How did your Valentine's weekend go? Don't be disappointed if he didn't propose yesterday; he might have it scheduled for another date or actually, not at all. While the latter option just felt like i shoved an aloe vera stalk in your mouth, it might not be entirely bad that he doesn't plan to propose at all. In fact, if he doesn't plan to and you know, you should joyfully pack your pretty little things and head for the mountains! #DontwasteYOURtime2016
Last week, i had fun asking a few guys about the best way to get a guy to propose. Of course, these are completely their own views on this situation. First, they all agreed that a man can not be forced to propose if he is "not ready"; mentally and financially, which i believe is fair enough. They couldn't quite provide the perfect guide to getting him to propose but they attempted to correct some misconceptions women have about their proposal prospects and then proceeded to give some advice....
......They mentioned a couple of things we girls might be doing that may delay that proposal! Here goes....
“Nagging about it.”
“The sex. If I get the sex, i might take my time with the proposal- Why buy the cow?”
“If she’s dispensable and I’m just passing time”
“Playing house. Washing my clothes, cleaning my apartment and cooking doesn’t mean we are married or that I will propose.”
“You being impatient and complaining about how your friends have kids.”
“Conversation about your eggs...like seriously?...”
Then they provided some advice.......
“Stop waiting for a proposal, it just makes your wait feel longer. Make your own plans. Be busy, focus on your career, go for a Master’s program, begin your own business and channel your passions. A proposal should be an add-on not the main purpose of your life.”
“If you know a guy isn’t going to propose and you know you are wasting your time, you should leave”
“Wait until i’m ready....it might be 7 years”
“Initiate a Long Distance Relationship. He might realize he doesn’t want you far away. Who knows, he just might propose.....or not!”
“Do not be dispensible! Let him understand how valuable you are.”
“Involve Jesus! LoL!”
“Score Goal (get pregnant), he still might not marry you though. Lol! Ok, seriously, don’t get pregnant! *Straight face*”
“Develop yourself. Develop your inner beauty.”
“DO NOT NAG ABOUT IT”
Alright, so does this mean we girls are sentenced to being quiet about our concerns about growing old and our aging eggs and cannot talk about marriage at all with bae? Of course not! I believe at some point in the relationship the discussion about marriage should come up. It's important to know how serious this relationship is or what its prospects are. You deserve to know, don't be scared. Ask questions!
We girls get terrified of asking because we think he will run away. Let him run, it'll save you time. Ask him questions like; "What are views on marriage?", "Where do you see this relationship in 5 years?", "What do you want from me on the long term?" This should be a tear-free, matter-of-fact conversation; you shouldn't be trying to manipulate him, you should be trying to get information with which you will make your decisions. Of course, as a woman your intuition should kick in and you should be able to tell when a guy isn't particularly serious. If he isn't, you'll know.... we always know. In that case, as my Strategic Management teacher once said, "Sometimes, the best strategy to making a profit is the Exit Strategy." You might have to pull the plug on that relationship, if you know its going nowhere; from that move *deep breath*, full steam ahead and greater possibilities!
#DontwasteYOURtime2016
Thanks to all my interviewees! We have kept them anonymous-ish, much love and hugs for the advice, guys!
What are your thoughts? Do you think these really delay the proposal? What do you think about having the prospects-conversation? What are your experiences? Are men weird? Which is your favorite ring? Lol!
P.s: Ahem..Men, those rings up there can be found here, here and here.. just saying!
Gift Ideas for Her
Hey guys, 7 days more to Valentine's Day! Here are 10 (plus one) idea-generating suggestions. Be sure to comment below if you have suggestions of your own. I hope this helps! Enjoy!
1. The ring because *GRIN* // 2. Crossbody bag because it doesn't matter if she already has 89 bags // 3. Women's Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for those Sunday football matches she honestly doesn't care about //4. Leather Watch so she stops making you late for events //5. Running shoes so she runs out of excuses // 6. Coconut oil for her curls and teeth (don't ask)
1. Love heart mug because it looks good with (3) // 2. Sì by Armani because it smells like currants and flowers // 3. The ring because reiterating makes a point //4. Pair of heels for date night or even more exciting- "something blue" // 5. A small bag because big bags can be a pain and take the attention off (3)!
P.s: You don't have to shop off the links provided, this post was created more as an idea prompter than a direct guide! Happy Shopping!
Gift Ideas for Him
Hey girls, after much site prowling, I came up with 10 items your "Him" might enjoy. Ed has been hitting my homepage waiting for this post because he thinks his Valentine's gift is here. Lol. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Hope it's helpful! Enjoy xx
1. Wireless Headphones for when you nag // 2. Docking Station so he knows where he phone is and you don't have to play phone tag // 3. Apple Watch sport, because it's the fad// 4. Dress Boots because they "work" for work, not-so-long walks and the dance floor // 5. Leather Backpack so he has free arms for your shopping bags!
1. Plaid Bowtie for #modePreppy 2. Doppkit for his toiletries for those weekends away ( and so he doesn't use your toothbrush) //3. Leather Bracelet because it's been cool since forever //4. Casual Loafers for date night //5. Duffel Bag for the dapper look!
"For Her" Gift Ideas up soon! You should guess what's #1 on the list is! *GRIN*
P.s: You don't have to shop off the links provided, this post was created more as an idea prompter than a direct guide! Happy Shopping!
LDR: My Sweet Virtual Valentine's
Source: IG @meganhess_official
To all Long Distance Relationship-ers (LDR-ers) out there, this Valentine's day is going to suck...........unless you have a plan. One thing i know about being in a LDR is that, it forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you think creatively! Plus, every romantic gesture you do has the potential to earn a million cookie points! It's just the way it is. For some odd reason, receiving an unexpected bouquet or package, getting a pre-recorded video, a hand written letter just gets everything sparkly and delightful and for that day and the next few days, the world is ok for your significant other. Contrary to popular belief, you CAN have a wonderful Valentine's Day, even in a Long Distance Relationship. Remember, you need to plan, like I said, else, it'll suck. I reiterate, the "Suck" factor will abide, mainly because you have nothing planned and all the couples are out that night cuddling, strolling, making out, or all three at the same time!
Here are 3 Things to consider during this planning:
The Surprise
All your significant other (sigO) really wants for Valentine's Day, is you. If you can, plan a trip to see him/her, make it a surprise! I once pulled off a surprise visit, i flew in from Italy on a Sunday, landed at night. Of course, this was all strategically planned. I knew Ed would be at church for about 2 hours out of my 7 hour flight and i know he eats huge lunches on Sundays, which is inevitably followed closely by a chronic case of food coma. He didn't wake up until i landed! We chatted for a while and went to bed, he was completely oblivious. The following morning, at 5AM, i got to his apartment building, ready to surprise! I was let in by the gateman, and then.......and then........and then.......I got attacked by his dog who had run into the compound, clearly perplexed by my presence. Lol! Then he had to rescue me from the dog, who I admit has always been a little jealous of me. Anyway, the visit was epic and amazing!
Strategically plan a surprise visit, it's worth 4,678,000 Cookie points!
The Gift
Since the beginning of time, the most common Valentine's Day gifts have been; Perfume, Teddy Bears, Cake, Chocolate, Flowers, Engagement rings (now we're talking, Grin)! They are all cute but sometimes, getting creative and character-specific with gifts earns you more points that the generic gifts.
Secret: I once sent a video of myself dancing to Don Jazzy and Tiwa's 'Eminado' to Ed one Valentine's Day. This video has since been destroyed, so as not to hinder any political office aspirations I may have in the future.
Generic Gift** (gift wrapped): 900,000 Cookie points
Creative Gift: 2,570,000 Cookie points
The Date
LDRs are the best! They get you creative, I tell you! They also make you appear a little looney.
Date night on Valentine's evening is a possibility, provided you are ready to give it a try.
Dress up (yes, shoes too), order or make a meal, call Sig.O on skype, light some candles (but don't turn the lights off because you won't be able to see each other) and have a Skype date on Valentine's night! Of course, if someone walks in on you, then you'd look a tad nuts but what do they know! If you both are culinary enthusiasts, the date can begin in the kitchen!
What are your Valentine's Day plans? Ever planned a fun surprise visit? How did it go? Were dogs involved? Hope not!
**There's absolutely nothing wrong with generic gifts, present it properly and bump up your cookie points!